Recent News
Illinois Cover Crop Legislation: Insights from ICCON’s June Update
On June 12th ICCON was joined by Dylan Cook, Midwest Policy Manager with American Farmland Trust, Dr. Corey Lacey, Environmental Policy Manager with Illinois Soybean Association, and special guest, Dr. Michael Woods, Director of the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts. This trio provided the group with an excellent comprehensive update on various legislative issues and policy items...
Illinois Crop Consultant Discusses C:N Ratios of Cover Crops Ahead of Termination
In concluding the Illinois Cover Crop On-Farm Network's (ICCON) three-part series on soil health testing, David Kleinschmidt, owner of Progressive Agronomy Consulting in Illinois, shared valuable insights into how he uses the Haney Soil Health Test to guide crop nutrition programs for his clients, emphasizing a holistic approach that considers soil as a dynamic system. Working closely with his farmer...
Last Minute Cover Crop Termination Tips
The following article discusses termination timing, assuming termination with herbicides. The information may not relate to termination by other means. Generally, we are considering an overwintering cereal cover crop, such as cereal rye. What do we mean when we discuss “timing” for termination of cover crops? There are a few different considerations. Making the right herbicide applications based on the...
Probing Into Soil Health Tests: Soil Health Test Parameters to Guide Management Decisions
In the most recent session of the Illinois Cover Crop On-Farm Network (ICCON) presentation, ICCON had the pleasure of hosting Robert (Bob) Schindelbeck, Director of the Cornell Soil Health Laboratory at Cornell University. Bob shared insights into his groundbreaking work with the Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health (CASH) test, a sophisticated tool designed for a wide range of users, including...
Probing Into Soil Health Tests: Dr. Patrick Freeze Recaps the Haney Soil Health Test
To kick off the first call of ICCON's Probing Into Soil Health Tests: Which Test is Best? series, ICCON hosted Dr. Patrick Freeze from Ward Laboratories, Inc. to delve into the intricacies of the Haney Soil Health Test. While soil health testing is a relatively novel concept for many farmers and agricultural professionals, there's a growing interest in understanding its...
ICCON Discusses NLRS Challenges and Feasibility of Achieving Interim Goals
During the January ICCON call, the network had the pleasure of hosting Adrienne Marino, Water Quality Program Manager at the Nature Conservancy in Illinois. Marino shared a comprehensive overview of the 2023 Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) Biennial Report, shedding light on the state's progress and challenges. The NLRS was initiated in response to the 2008 Gulf Hypoxia Action...